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Today I’m bringing you back to Alaska for one final post about our incredible trip. Both Eric and I keep reminiscing about the beautiful journey. I wanted to take you through the excursions and experiences we had while onboard the Celebrity Solstice. Each were better than the next – if that’s even possible to say.

I’ll begin in Ketchikan, where we embarked on a small ten person float plane to a town in Neets Bay that has a population of nine (yes, you heard that right!). Our guide walked us through the forest, town and hatchery, to a river that leads into the bay. This particular excursion was to see black bears – a little frightening yes, but exciting. As we walked and waited, out came two beautiful and HUGE black bears. It was surreal to see them so close (only 20 feet away). To see them in their natural habitat was pretty unbelievable.

Waking up at 5:30am was essential on this particular day. Our ship navigated through the stunning Tracy Arms Fjord. We opened up our balcony doors, threw on layers and layers of warm clothing and watched the natural landscape we were passing. Both Eric and I were in awe of the beauty that lied within this narrow fjord. From the stunning natural falls, to the teal color of the water, to the sound of nature all around us – it was as if we had been transported into a winter wonderland that you never knew existed. At the end of Tracy Arms Fjord we were able to see a magical glacier that has stunning blue hues. As we looked upon the glacier all you could think about was how remarkable nature truly is.

As we left Tracy Arms, all I could think about was “how could we see anything more beautiful today” – well friends I was 100% wrong. We enjoyed a delicious king crab feast at Tracy’s Crab Shack (a must!) and then sailed away on a small catamaran for a night of sunset whale watching. The sky began to look like cotton candy and then we saw what we came for – whales. Both Humpback whales and one Orca! I was in love with this excursion – the Orca was just the cherry on top of an unbelievable day.

Our last and final stop on the Celebrity Solstice was Skagway. Honestly, I cannot begin to tell you how excited both of us were for this last excursion. It was as though we had woken up on Christmas morning. Eric couldn’t wait to get in a helicopter for the first time and I couldn’t wait to step foot on a glacier. As we flew over the water, through valleys and up a narrow river made by the glacier itself, I was giddy as we came upon the glacier. We landed, took a hike to see the different areas (all safe of course) and were able to drink the glacier water! I couldn’t believe my eyes. I had to pull my jaw up from off the ground. I think the beauty of the entire trip came over me on this last excursion.

Alaska surpassed my expectations. The elegance and nature that we saw while on this trip brought me back to my roots as a child. I used to take more trips to be out in nature and this journey made me want to do that more often. It’s important to slow down, be outside and see the natural elements that make up the world around us.

We couldn’t have gone on these remarkable expeditions without the help of Celebrity Cruises. Each one was handcrafted by them to allow us to see Alaska in a whole new light. I cannot wait to travel there again someday and show our family all of these beautiful places.

This post is a partnership with Celebrity Cruises. All opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting sponsored posts that keep Sacramento Street doors open.

When Eric and I started brainstorming places to go for our babymoon, we had a long list of potentials spots. When it came time to make a decision I wanted to go somewhere that had been on our bucket list for awhile. Over the past few years Eric has been talking about going to Alaska non-stop. It felt like the perfect place to go where we could be outdoors, do a few adventurous excursions, and enjoy some quality rest and relaxation with one another.

There is only one way to travel to Alaska – it’s on a cruise. As a young girl I had the privilege of traveling on quite a few cruises to Baja, the Arctic Circle and Alaska. These weren’t your typical cruise ships – they were nature cruises. This time would be a little different, we embarked on a seven night cruise with Celebrity Cruises. I have to say, from the moment I stepped onto the ship I was in awe of the stunning craftsmanship and the impeccable service. Since I had been on ships before, I was a little worried about how large this ship would feel, but once everyone was settled and on board it felt as though we were our own little island traveling up the coast of British Columbia.

First and foremost, let’s talk about the beauty that lies within the Celebrity Solstice. As you walk onto the ship you are instantly taken in by the architecture. The blue, white and orange tones that you find throughout the Solstice is almost as though they took the palette of the sea and continue it onto the ship, which made it feel timeless and elegant.

While each stateroom on the ship is your own little oasis that looks out onto the beautiful ocean – I felt as though the amenities of the ship were an extension of my room. A few of my favorite spots – the stunning library where I could pick up a new book after I finished the one I brought, the indoor pool (since it was quite chilly outside) and afternoon tea at Cafe al Bacio. Both Eric and I truly felt at home. It was as if we had never left home. I kept saying, can we bring all of this home with us? Who is going to turn down my bed at night? It’s the simple luxuries that made this journey unique.

There was also delicious culinary experiences on the trip. Honestly, I had no idea what to expect. I had heard from a few close friends that had traveled on Celebrity Cruises before that it was great. Friends, I was blown away. While all of the restaurants were incredible and had their own little twist to them – Blu was by far my favorite. It’s healthy cuisine but without losing the flavor. I probably could have gone there for every meal. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to get a private cooking lesson from the executive chef on the ship and I asked him about what they strive to bring in their food on the Solstice. He said, clean, local and seasonal. Exactly how I try to eat at home. He said it’s all about a few key ingredients that make the food shine. They definitely achieved that at every single restaurant we went to on our journey.

As I look back on this unbelievable trip I can honestly say that the Celebrity Solstice blew me away. It was the epitome of modern luxury at it’s finest. From the level of service, to the food, to the endless nightly entertainment, to the stunning spa – it completely encompassed everything Eric and I were looking for when it came to this babymoon vacation. I look forward to our next journey on one of their many ships around the world. The hard part will be deciding where to go next!

Next week, I’ll be talking about the sites and excursions we went on – let’s just say they will be forever remembered!

This post is a partnership with Celebrity Cruises. All opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting sponsored posts that keep Sacramento Street doors open.

It was almost 20 years ago that I took my very first trip to Alaska. I remember the stunning glaciers, sea otters and whales. When Eric and I sat down to plan our babymoon we wanted to go someplace adventurous, beautiful and unexpected. I’d say this isn’t your typical babymoon. Plus, it has been on Eric’s bucket list for quite some time. With that being said, we are combining luxury with adventure by going on a cruise. I can’t wait for our boat – the Celebrity Solstice to take us from one port to the next where we’ll be disembarking to different excursions(including hiking on glaciers!!!).

When packing for Alaska I knew I’d have to prepare for any kind of weather – sun, rain, and ice cold temperatures when hiking. A few readers reached out about what I was bringing because they are planning trips to Alaska as well – looks like it’s a popular destination! That’s why I wanted to share my packing list with all of you. The most important essential – a super warm Woolrich jacket that I have a feeling I’ll be living in the entire trip.

After an incredibly productive week, today Eric and I are setting sail for our last getaway before baby Flemming arrives. We’re traveling up to Seattle to embark on a week-long cruise to Alaska. We cannot wait for the adventure that awaits! While this isn’t your typical babymoon, we wanted to go somewhere that was adventurous, but still relaxing. I can’t wait for our glacier helicopter ride and dogsledding. You can follow along on instagram for updates but I promise I’ll be sharing every detail when I return. And don’t worry, I have a whole line of amazing posts for next week!

In the meantime, pop over to these sites for some fabulous reads this weekend.

In the summer months, it’s essential to plan day trips to get out of the San Francisco fog. That’s why I’m constantly looking for places to escape. Fortunately, there are amazing options to choose from that are in close proximity to home. This month I discovered the Bardessono Hotel in Yountville. I had heard fabulous things about the property from friends so when it came time to plan a day trip up to wine country for my Mom’s birthday it was a chance to try it out.

As you enter the property, you are instantly graced with stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and the friendliest staff. We immediately felt the calm of the atmosphere provided by the quiet sound of fountains and the beauty of nature surrounding us. Our morning was spent pampering ourselves in the top-rated spa where I lost myself in the smells of lavender and jasmine. It was followed by a delicious lunch at Lucy in the quiet gardens. I’ve already tried re-creating the carrot salad I had that was entirely made from their raised vegetable beds in the gardens within the property – I wanted to forage a basket of produce to bring home.

Next time I go back, I’ll definitely spend the night – you can actually have spa services in your room!